Strasbourg
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Colmar
Zagreb
Valkenburg
London
Vilnius
Paris
Tallinn
Glasgow
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Village de Noël in Nice
Prague
Vienna
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Budapest
Wissembourg in Alsace
Brussels Winter Wonders
Winterlights Luxembourg
Christmas market at Waltherplatz in Bolzano
1st Strasbourg 
If you're interested in the biggest Christmas market in Europe, then you have to go to Strasbourg in France. But the Christmas market is not only popular for its size, it is also one of the most beautiful in Europe. With history. There is evidence of the first Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg in 1570.
Even today, you get a very special feeling when you walk through the medieval, historic timber-framed houses. At Noël à Strasbourg, you'll see 300 market stalls, kilometres of fairy lights that add to the Christmas atmosphere and, of course, a beautiful Christmas tree in the square Kléber.
The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg is also one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
All info:
Address:
Pl. Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg (Google Maps).
Date:
25 November to 23 December 2022
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 8pm and Saturdays until 10pm.
Our hotel tips for Strasbourg
2nd Nuremberg Christmas Market
It is the most famous Christmas market in Germany: the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. There is evidence that the Christkindlesmarkt in Bavaria has been held in Nuremberg since 1628. Today there are around 180 wooden stalls here, which are known as "little towns of wood and cloth" because of their red and white fabric roofs.
Nuremberg is world-famous for its Christkindles Market
The special thing: The Nuremberg Christ Child, a Nuremberg girl between 16 and 19 years of age, delivers his prologue from the gallery of the Frauenkirche at the beginning, officially opening the market.
Culinary friends should definitely try the Nuremberg grilled sausages, which are traditionally grilled on an open beech wood fire. But the Nuremberg gingerbread is also to die for and available at almost every stall.
In addition to the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, there are great Christmas markets in Germany. Dresden's Striezelmarkt, for example, is considered the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Advent was celebrated here in Dresden as early as 1434. But a so-called St Nicholas Market was also held in Munich as early as 1310.
All info:
Address:
Hauptmarkt and surrounding area
Date:
25 November to 24 December 2022
Opening hours:
Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By the way, here you can find the top sights in Nuremberg. For us, the city is one of the most beautiful in Germany.
Our hotel tips for Nuremberg
3. colmar 
One of the most beautiful cities in France, right on the German border, is Colmar. Six different Christmas markets are held here. La Magie de Noël à Colmar - as it is called in French - promises a great experience. Here you can experience the magic of Christmas.
You walk through beautiful half-timbered streets, through the little Venice and many other sights in Colmar. The special thing about it: everything shines in a wonderful glow of lights. On Place Rapp there are beautiful Christmas trees and stalls. All the trees are decorated with fairy lights.
All info:
Address:
34 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar(Google Maps).
Date:
24 November to 29 December 2022
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
Our hotel tips for Colmar
4. zagreb 
Croatia's capital Zagreb is known for its Christmas market. Every year in Zrinjevac Park you'll find great lighting, lots of figures with packages and great events.
The Christmas market has been named one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe three times. We were there at Christmas and were very impressed.
On Ban Jelačić Square, for example, there is a large Christmas market with a stage. Many events take place here. The grand finale is then the New Year's Eve celebration on the square.
There are stalls around Ban Jelačić Square, and you can buy lots of mulled wine and treats such as small lard cakes.
In addition, you can always watch the music and dance programme in Zrinjevac Park . Be sure to stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade.
In the ice park in Ledeni Park you can put on your skates, in Maksimir Park the trees are all decorated with colourful lights and the Grič tunnel is also illuminated. As you can see, there's a lot going on in Zagreb during Advent.
All info:
Address:
Ban Josip Jelačić Square, 10000, Zagreb (Google Maps).
Date:
26 November 2022 to 7 January 2023
Opening hours:
Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Our hotel tips for Zagreb
5. Valkenburg, Netherlands 
There is a very special Christmas market in the Netherlands: the Geulstädtchen Valkenburg. The whole area around the Valkenburg near Maastricht (one of the most beautiful sights in Maastricht) is bathed in a beautiful glow of lights, with lots of live music and, of course, a good portion of culinary delights. You can enjoy all this above and below ground. Yes, you heard me right.
In the Netherlands you will find Europe's largest underground Christmas market. In the so-called Gemeentegrot in Valkenburg, you walk through marl-rock corridors lit up with fairy lights.
But there are even more Christmas markets around Valkenburg. For example, the Fluweelengrot, for children the Christmas show in the Mergelrijk and the Winter Wonderland.
All info:
Address:
Daalhemerweg 27, 6301 BJ Valkenburg(Google Maps).
Date:
18 November 2022 to 8 January 2023
Opening hours:
Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday until 9 p.m.
Admission:
Adults pay 8.50 euros
Our hotel tips for Maastricht
6 Camden Christmas Market London 
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe is Camden Market in London. Every year you can experience a very special Christmas wonderland. The organisers come up with some really great things. For example, there is a gingerbread grotto, hourly snow flurries and seasonal music every weekend. But the highlight for all visitors is the street food.
Especially for the kids, Santa's Ginger Bread Workshop is a brilliant thing to do. Together with elves, the children make their own gingerbread men.
For the adults, the huge ice rink at Camden Market provides a special entertainment programme. So you see: make sure you visit London at Christmas time.
The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is also one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. We have summarised the most beautiful Christmas markets in London for you in our special article: London Christmas Markets: these are the 10 most beautiful Winter Markets.
All info:
Address:
54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London(Google Maps).
Date:
8 November 2022 to 1 January 2023.
Opening hours:
10am to 7pm daily
Our hotel tips for London
7. Vilnius, Lithuania 
Now we dive into the historical Lithuanian capital Vilnius. In the market square of Vilnius, there is a 25-metre-high Christmas tree that is fantastically illuminated. It is surrounded by beautiful stalls offering mulled wine and other delicacies as well as great handicrafts.
Families with children are especially likely to visit Bernardinai's garden. A dancing fountain and a chain carousel await you here. Another highlight for the kids is the Christmas train. It runs the whole Advent season from the Town Hall along the festive Gediminas Avenue to the Cathedral Square.
At Vilnius Cathedral there is a very special spectacle. Three times a day, a Christmas fairy tale is projected onto the walls of the church here!
All info:
Address:
Vilnius 01143, Lithuania(Google Maps).
Date:
27 November 2022 to 9 January 2023
Opening hours:
Daily from 10am to 9pm
Our hotel tips for Vilnius
8th Christmas Market Champs-Elysées Paris 
To the city of love at Christmas time? Paris is not only beautiful at Christmas, but also has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. 15 million visitors come to the famous Champs-Elysées Christmas market (Jardin des Tuileries).
On Paris' boulevard, 160 huts are set up in the style of the Vosges Mountains. You definitely shouldn't miss it. Paris wouldn't be Paris if there were other highlights. Ice sculptures and the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde await you.
Christmas markets have been held in Paris since the 1990s. Of course, the French do everything a little more charmingly and with style. The Christmas market in Paris is also designed like this. So you get real delicacies and excellent mulled wine at the Christmas markets in Paris.
Other markets are right next to Notre-Dame and on the Champs de Mars. For families with children, the Christmas village in La Défense is perfect. You'll also find the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market at the church of the same name. More exquisite treats are guaranteed at the Alsatian Christmas market Gare de láest.
At Christmas time, you can perfectly combine good food and mulled wine with sightseeing in Paris.
All info:
Address:
Marché de Noël des Champs-Elysées(Google Maps).
Date:
19 November to 8 January 2023
Opening hours:
Daily from 10am to 8pm
Our hotel tips for Paris
9 Tallinn, Estonia 
Now we travel to Estonia. Here you can find one of the most famous Christmas trees. In Tallinn on the town hall square, a mighty tree is erected every year, which is beautifully decorated.
The Christmas tree in Tallinn was also the first in Europe. There has been a tree in Town Hall Square since 1441. Today, the square is magnificently decorated with many spruce trees and lights. Here, the Christmas spirit immediately sets in.
In Estonia, blood sausage with sauerkraut is a Christmas market tradition. But you also have to try the typical gingerbread with mulled wine.
For children and families there is also a lot of entertainment and a carousel.
All info:
Address:
Raekoja plats, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn(Google Maps).
Date:
25 November to 8 January 2023
Opening hours:
daily from 12 to 19 h
Our hotel tips for Tallinn
10 Santa Claus Village - Rovaniemi, Lapland 
The Father Christmas Village in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is an attraction. Due to its great programme, it is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. As the name suggests, you can really meet Father Christmas here, watch him at work in the post office and have your picture taken with him.
What's more, the Village is located on the Arctic Circle with coordinates 66°33'45.9, so you can literally jump the line in Santa's Village. Doesn't that sound great?
In the village you can also meet Santa's reindeer, and there is also a husky farm on site. Here you can experience Christmas in its most kitschy and idyllic form. Of course, you'll also find plenty of restaurants and cafés.
You can visit Santa's Village all year round. At Christmas time, of course, it's something very special. You can take a photo with Father Christmas for 30 euros. Of course, the village is quite touristy. However, it should be a highlight for families with children.
All info:
Address:
96930 Rovaniemi, Finland(Google Maps).
Date:
Open all year
Opening hours:
Santa Office is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Admission:
Free, photo with Santa 30 euros
Our hotel tips for Rovaniemi
11 Village de Noël - Nice, France
At the Place Massena square in Nice you will find the Village de Noël Nice. Nice is a beautiful city in France, situated directly on the sea on the Côte d'Azur. At Christmas time on the Mediterranean coast, the Christmas Village takes place every year.
In addition to an ice rink for skating, there are also 60 huts that are set up. In addition to handicrafts, there are also many typical French delicacies to taste. In addition to mulled wine, oysters and champagne are also on offer - of course, we are on the Côte d'Azur here after all.
All info:
Address:
4 Av. de Verdun, 06000 Nice(Google Maps)
Date:
1 December to 1 January 2023
Opening hours:
Daily from 10am to 7pm
Our hotel tips for Nice
12 Prague 
During the Christmas season, Prague is pompously decorated and fantastically beautiful. We can recommend the Christmas market
Prague is a beautiful city in the Czech Republic with very old, magnificent houses. At Christmas time, however, the city looks like something out of a fairy tale.
At the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) there is a huge Christmas tree with lights and the decorations throughout the city are fantastic.
The Christmas market in Prague is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Besides mulled wine, there is plenty of mead and the famous Baumstriezel. Other markets are held in Wenceslas Square and all the other market squares in Prague. Of course, you must also stroll through the historic streets in the centre.
In addition to the famous shepherd's masses in the churches, there is also a huge programme of Advent concerts. Prague at Christmas time is an absolute highlight.
Find out which other great sights in Prague you should see in our article.
All info:
Address:
Staroměstské náměstí(Google Maps).
Date:
26 November 2022 to 6 January 2023
Opening hours:
daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Our hotel tips for Prague
13th Vienna Christmas Market
Let's immerse ourselves in the world's oldest Christmas market. A Christmas market has been held in Vienna, Austria since 1296. In 1903, 128 stall buildings were renovated and received electric lighting for the first time. After several changes of location, the Christmas market settled at the City Hall in 1959. Since that year there has also been a Christmas tree in Vienna at the Town Hall.
The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz in Vienna is not only the oldest, but also one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Therefore, you should definitely visit the Viennese Christmas dream. The countless stalls definitely cater for your physical well-being.
Of course, there are many other beautiful Christmas markets in Vienna - we have compiled a list for you in an extra article.
The Christmas market in Salzburg is also very famous. Find out which other Christmas markets you must see in Austria in the other article.
All info:
Address:
Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna(Google Maps).
Date:
19 November to 26 December 2022
Opening hours:
daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Our hotel tips for Vienna
14th Dresden Striezelmarkt 
One of the most famous Christmas markets is also in Germany. The Dresden Striezelmarkt is considered Germany's oldest authenticated Christmas market.
More than 230 stalls are located in Dresden. Advent was first celebrated here with a market in 1434. Striezel, by the way, are the predecessors of the famous Dresden Stollen. They are on sale everywhere, as are the famous handicrafts from the Erzgebirge.
You have to eat the Dresden Stollen, of course. There is no way around it. The Striezel pyramid is also located at the Striezelmarkt. It is the landmark of the Dresden Christmas Market. The pyramid is 14.62 metres high and has 43 figures. It was built in 1997.
All info:
Address:
Altmarkt Dresden(Google Maps)
Date:
23 November to 24 December 2022
Opening hours:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Bautzen's Christmas market is much smaller, but just as fine. Here you will find, among other things, enchanting products made of glass and Plauen lace. Let yourself drift here and enjoy the beautiful little town in Saxony.
By the way, the Bautzen Wenzelsmarkt(website) can call itself Germany's oldest Christmas market mentioned in a chronicle. It takes place from 25 November to 22 December.
Our hotel tips for Dresden
15 Budapest Christmas Market Vörösmarty Square 
In Hungary, the most popular Advent market is the Budapest Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square. The stalls there sell typical handicrafts, of course. You'll find one or two creative Christmas gift ideas there. There is also delicious Hungarian food. What are the specialities in Budapest? Among other things, a Christmas doughnut with apricots.
Right by the Christmas market, there is a huge Advent calendar in the city. The façade of the Cafe Gerbeaud building is elaborately decorated and a little door/window is opened every day from 1 to 24 December.
There is also a Christmas market in front of the Basilica on Stephansplatz.
All info:
Address:
Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3(Google Maps).
Date:
4 November to 31 December 2022
Opening hours:
daily from 12 to 19 h
Our hotel tips for Budapest
16th Glasgow George Square Christmas Market 
The George Place Christmas Market is one of the top sights during the cold season.
When we were in Glasgow at Christmas time, a Ferris wheel was already smiling at us from afar from the George Square Christmas Market. Of course we rode it. On the huge square, red and white candy canes are sold in the stalls, there are typical Scottish dishes to eat and lots of sugar biscuits and treats.
The bars around Georg Square are really crowded. If you want to go out and about and hit the pubs in Glasgow at Christmas time, then Georg Square is the place to start.
Another Christmas market in Glasgow is in St Enoch Square.
We have summarised all the sights in Glasgow in a separate article.
By the way, the Edinburgh Winter Festival will take place in Edinburgh from 19 November 2022 to 3 January 2023.
All info:
Address:
Glasgow G2 1DH, United Kingdom(Google Maps).
Date:
20 November to 23 December 2022
Opening Hours:
9am to 10pm daily
Our hotel tips for Glasgow
17 Wissembourg Christmas Market in Alsace
One of the most charming Christmas markets in Alsace is the Wissembourg Christmas Market. It is located right next to the Peter and Paul church.
Every Sunday in Advent, a candle is lit on the Advent wreath at the town hall at 5pm. St. Nicholas also drops by on the second Advent. He comes with a donkey and hands out sweets to the children.
The highlight for families and children takes place on the fourth Advent. There is a small spectacle. According to this, a band of robbers comes to the square. A group of monks beats the drum as a sign of warning. In the play, the threat is averted. A torchlight procession with a carriage follows. The Christ Child comes to Wissembourg. Children can also hand in their wish lists in the course of the play.
All info:
Address:
Place de la République(Google Maps).
Date:
3/4/10/11/17/18 Dec.
Opening hours:
Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
18 Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market 
It is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe: the Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market. It takes place on the Grand-Place and the Grote Markt in Brussels. In the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city centre.
There are 200 Christmas stalls offering typical handicrafts and delicious treats. Right in the centre, there's a big Christmas tree with a nativity scene. Families with children will love the Ferris wheel, the ice rink and nostalgic old carousels.
It's best to come to the Grand Place around 5pm. This is when a sound and light show takes place, projected onto the buildings around the square. During the week, the show takes place every hour, and on weekends every half hour. There is no question that the Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market is one of the most popular free winter festivals in Europe.
All info:
Address:
Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium(Google Maps).
Date:
25 November 2022 to 2 January 2023
Opening hours:
daily 12 to 22 h
Our hotel tips for Brussels
19 Winterlights Luxembourg 
In Luxembourg (Luxembourg) the lights are in focus. The entire city is illuminated at the Winterlights in Luxembourg. A magical atmosphere spreads across the countless stalls. A real Christmas atmosphere is created here.
There are several Christmas markets offering live music, concerts, lots of mulled wine and treats. There is also a great animation programme for the children.
All info:
Address:
Pl. Guillaume II, 1648 Luxembourg, Luxembourg(Google Maps).
Date:
18 November 2022 to 8 January 2023
Opening hours:
daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Our hotel tips for Luxembourg
20th Christmas Market at Waltherplatz in Bolzano (South Tyrol) 
Winter in South Tyrol is an absolute dream. Bolzano, surrounded by snow-covered, mighty mountains, will impress you. During Advent, this city has a real magic about it. At Waltherplatz in Bolzano you will find one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
The Christmas market in Bolzano is also the largest in South Tyrol. It has existed for over 20 years and offers visitors a great selection in its 70 stalls. Although it is naturally very busy, the Bolzano market enchants with many light installations, a wonderful flair and the well-known South Tyrolean delicacies.
Children can enjoy pony rides, Punch and Judy shows, a children's railway and nostalgic carousels right next to the Bolzano Cathedral.
But also walk from Waltherplatz past the beautiful arcades to the fruit market in Bolzano. It is famous for its wooden stalls. At Christmas time there are many chestnut stands and Christmas delicacies.
You can find our sights in Bolzano in an extra article.
All info:
Address:
39100 Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy(Google Maps).
Date:
25 November 2022 to 8 January 2023
Opening hours:
daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Our hotel tips for Bolzano
21. Oslo, Norway 
Come, now we travel to one of the biggest Christmas markets in Norway. In Oslo, Winterland (Jul i Vinterland) takes place every year in Spikersuppa. It is the most important Christmas market in Oslo. Besides handicrafts and beautiful stalls, there are also great Norwegian treats.
Especially for children there is a lot on offer, such as a gingerbread workshop or Santa's Residence. There is also a Ferris wheel and an ice rink. Let's go to Oslo at Christmas time.
On Youngstorget (formerly City Hall Square) there is an indoor Christmas market in large tents. The traditional lavvu tents are even cosily heated.
There are also other small Christmas markets in Oslo, such as the Stortovet market, right by Oslo Cathedral. But also the Christmas market in the Margaretakyrkan, the Juovlamárkanat - Sami Christmas market as well as the Norsk Folkemuseums Christmas fair and the Christmas market in the Hadeland Glassverk are definitely worth seeing.
All info:
Address:
Karl Johans gate 41B, 0162 Oslo, Norway(Google Maps).
Date:
12 November 2022 to 1 January 2023
Opening hours:
10:30am - 8pm daily, 10am - 8pm Saturday, 11am - 8pm Sunday.
Our hotel tips for Oslo
Extra tip: Basel Switzerland 
A winter without Switzerland doesn't make much sense, does it? Basel 's Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is one of the most beautiful and largest Advent markets in Switzerland. Basel is also one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.
The Christmas tree on Münsterplatz is decorated every year by the famous decorator Johann Wanner. In total, you will find 155 wooden chalets selling great handicrafts and typical Swiss delicacies. You should definitely try the Basler Läckerli and Swiss Raclette. Another traditional pastry you have to try: Mödeli have been a tradition in Basel since the 14th century. These are Änisbrötli (aniseed pastries).
In the evening, there is a highlight on the staircase of the Martinturm. It is illuminated Monday to Friday evenings between 4 and 6 pm. The atmosphere is incredibly festive and beautiful.
Another tip: also stop by the Rheingasse. A small street Advent market takes place here, the Adväntsgass im Glaibasel. A large, illuminated Christmas pyramid rotates here.
Incidentally, the Basel Christmas Market was recently named Best Christmas Market in Europe.
All info:
Address:
Münsterplatz Basel(Google Maps)
Date:
24 November to 23 December 2022
Opening hours:
daily admission until 17:30
Our hotel tips for Basel
Curiosity: Athens - crazy Christmas street Pittaki Street 
Finally, we can't deprive you of an absolute curiosity. If you happen to be in Athens at Christmas time, you're in for a treat. Here, at Christmas time, a street is absolutely kitschy and excessively overloaded with lights and Christmas decorations. We're talking about Pittaki Street at the Little Kook restaurant(Google Maps).